Jason Pierre-Paul signs one-year deal with Giants

Jason Pierre-Paul and the Giants reach an agreement which will have him back in uniform in time for the final stretch of the season. (Robert Sabo/New York Daily News)

The standoff is over. Jason Pierre-Paul is a Giant again.

On Tuesday night, at long last, the prodigal defensive end finally returned to East Rutherford, signing an incentive-filled, one-year deal with the Giants.

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The deal is a far cry from the $14.813 million franchise tag tender that JPP had no interest in signing in the spring, but according to a source it's full of playing time and performance incentives, which will allow the defensive end to recoup some of that lost money.

"I'm very excited to be back," Pierre-Paul said. "I'm getting ready to do what I have to do."

It remains to be seen whether this version of Pierre-Paul can do what the Giants need him to do: Rush the passer. He's still recovering from the Fourth of July fireworks accident that led to the amputation of his right index finger and several other hand injuries, and no one knows what to expect from him on the field.

The Giants received a two-week roster exemption for Pierre-Paul, a chance to evaluate and work with him before using a roster spot. He'll begin working with the team's training staff immediately, the club said, although Pierre-Paul added that he's worked hard to round into shape over the last three months in South Florida.

"Every day, I got up at 7:30 and lifted weights," he said. "I've been doing what I have to do to stay in football shape."

Not that anyone in the Giants' practice facility expects the dynamic, dominating Pierre-Paul of old. On Monday, team doctors examined his mangled right hand, and a source said the Giants believe he can play with the right amount of protective padding.

But the Giants don't seem to be counting on a JPP return to action in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, when his roster exemption expires. There's been some optimism about that, but a team source said a post-bye return is more realistic.

Lamest injuries in sports

According to the source, the club believes JPP can be ready to return in limited action in time for the team's visit to Washington on Nov. 29. By then, the Giants hope he will be ready to boost a pass rush that has managed just nine sacks through the first two months of the season.

Then again, to hear Tom Coughlin tell it, Pierre-Paul's mere presence at the practice facility will inject life into the NFC East-leading Giants.

"It is just good to have Jason back in our building," Coughlin said. "You can feel his energy and his desire to overcome what he has had to endure since July. His spirit is undeniable, and he is anxious to get to work with (defensive line coach) Robert Nunn and Spags (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo), as well as our medical and strength and conditioning people."

"He has worked very hard to get himself back into position to join the team and work toward getting on the playing field on Sundays," added GM Jerry Reese.

Pierre-Paul's first appearance with his bandaged hand. (New York Daily News)

And now, after months away, after haggling with the Giants over a long-term deal, after his fireworks accident turned him into a national punchline, after he was deemed not ready to play during his Labor Day visit to the team, Pierre-Paul is close to hitting the field with his Giants.

Most expect he'll simply be a situational pass-rusher when he does play, but he doesn't even seem to mind that.

"I'm just here to help the team out," said Pierre-Paul. "I'm blessed to play the game, and I'm excited about the opportunity to play again."